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Spring Awakening was founded as a concert series in 2008. The event eventually outgrew the theater, and in 2012 SAMF was turned into a two-day outdoor music festival at Soldier Field by the Chicago-based promoting agency React Presents. In 2013, Spring Awakening Music Festival expanded to three days with over 90,000 people in attendance. SAMF has been held either the second or third weekend of June[3] Over the years, the Festival has become increasingly popular due to the large fan base of electronic dance music in the Chicago area. As people now come from across the globe just to attend the Festival, there are discussed rumors that the Festival could be extending onwards towards many other states.[4]

Founded in 2008, React Presents is a club, festival, and concert festival promotion company based in Chicago. React Presents produces four festivals: Spring Awakening Music Festival, North Coast Music Festival, Forever Festival, and Summer Set Music & Camping Festival.[5]

SAMF was made into a two-day festival held on June 16–17, 2012 at Soldier Field.

The festival was initially announced to occupy the "Stadium Green" surrounding Soldier Field, but after overwhelming demand, the festival moved from the main stage inside of the stadium to the north end zone of Soldier Field. Over 50,000 people attended Spring Awakening Music festival 2012.[6]

Spring Awakening had its third annual concert on June 13–15, 2014 with a new addition of a second main stage. In the 2014 season, Spring Awakening was one of the few remaining all age festivals.[10] Spring Awakening Music Festival launched SAMF Safe & Sound, an initiative which encouraged attendees to contact security or the wellness team if they felt unsafe.[11] React was purchased by SFX Entertainment last February.[12]

In 2015 the festival had four stages to better accommodate more than 75 acts. SAMF had also changed its minimum age requirement to 18. The new changes come in the hope of making sure that safety is the number one priority for the fans, artists, and staff. An official spokesperson of SAMF quoted that they, "believe the festival is an experience for adults. This difficult decision was made to promote safety amongst our fans and ensure the best experience for our attendees and future attendees".[14]

A 19-year-old, Steve Vongkoth, died at the event; the death is thought to be drug-related.[15]

SAMF 2016 was held June 10–12, 2016 and had five stages, including two main stages for the very first time in the event’s history,[16] and hosted a wide array of over 100 acts from across the electronic music spectrum.

The Bass Kitchen, Body Language, and Trance Arena stages provided attendees with the opportunity to experience nonstop variety in both music and visual displays. Record label Dirtybird Records, publication DJ Mag and Pete Tong curated the festivities, each hosting a slew of acts from all across the production spectrum throughout the weekend.[17]